THE Zimbabwe national cricket team will play Pakistan in three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and the same number of T20 matches starting end of month at Bulawayo’s Queens Sports Club.
After that, they will return to Harare, where they have more white ball cricket lined up against Afghanistan.
It will be a fiesta of cricket during the festive season, with Zimbabwe hosting Afghanistan for three ODIs and the same number of T20s.
They will cap the year with a return to Queens, where there are two Tests lined up against the same opponents, with one of those starting off on Boxing Day.
With the Chevrons currently ranked 13th on the ODI rankings, it is good to see Zimbabwe Cricket organising a number of tours, especially at home, where they give themselves a good chance to win and pick up valuable points.
The likes of Ireland and Scotland are now ranked above Zimbabwe, which is in itself motivation for the Chevrons to improve themselves.
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The two upcoming tours will be by no means easy and the Chevrons know they face a big fight, but what is guaranteed is enthralling entertainment for the cricket-crazy fans.
Zimbabwe last played at home when they hosted India, which series was well-attended at Harare Sports Club, creating a carnival atmosphere.
It is expected that the fans will jam-pack both the Harare Sports Club and Queens when the Chevrons play Pakistan and Afghanistan.
It is commendable that ZC decided to share out the matches between Bulawayo and Harare after an outcry by the City of Kings and Queens that they only get the scraps in terms of tour allocation.
This time, they have six white ball matches at Queens, which will be followed up by what should be a good Test contest against Afghanistan.
Zimbabwe last played a Test match in July, where they lost to Ireland away from home.
They last played Test cricket in Bulawayo when they hosted the West Indies in February last year and they return to Queens under a new coach hoping that they could get a positive result.
We wish to applaud Zimbabwe Cricket for organising these tours and spreading the game.
With plans afoot to build stadiums in Gweru, Mutare and Victoria Falls, it is our fervent hope that the national team matches will also be spread to these cities.
What spices everything is the fact that the sport is being appreciated in the country and numbers at the venues can testify.
Zimbabwe is swiftly becoming a favoured venue for significant international cricket events, enhancing its profile on the global stage and underscoring its potential as a hub for sporting excellence.
This development not only celebrates the nation’s rich cricketing culture, but also promises substantial economic and social benefits.
In a striking affirmation of its growing status, Zimbabwe is slated to host the prestigious Under-19 World Cup in 2026, followed by the co-hosting of the Cricket World Cup in 2027, alongside South Africa and Namibia.
These events are expected to draw fans from around the globe, spotlighting Zimbabwe’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture.
Said Zimbabwe Cricket chairperson Tavengwa Mukuhlani about the country’s journey and its ambitions for the future: “Zimbabwe has shown itself to be a country that can not only host major international events, but also create a memorable atmosphere for fans and players. Our goal is to build on this momentum, ensuring that cricket acts as a bridge to greater opportunities for our nation.”